Dayton Business Journal...
Fifth Third warns customers of scam artists
Thursday, December 22, 2011 

Fifth Third Bank has warned its customers to watch out for fraudulent text or voice mail messages that scam artists use to try to get customers’ credit or debit card data. 

“We understand that recent SMIshing (using text messages) and Vishing (using voice mail) attacks have occurred on banking customers, including Fifth Third Bank customers,” Fifth Third spokeswoman Debra DeCourcy said. “The goal of these attacks (much like their counterpart, phishing) is to obtain credit or debit card information. This event is one perpetrated by thieves on unsuspecting individuals.” 

Some of the messages tell customers to call a phone number to activate their cards. But the number is fraudulent. Fifth Third never contacts customers by text or phone to get or verify information such as card information, PIN numbers or Social Security numbers, DeCourcy said. 

“If someone should receive a suspicious message, we advise them not to respond, and to delete the message from their mobile device or voice mailbox,” DeCourcy said. “Consumers need to be vigilant in protecting their personal information, especially this time of year.” 

Fifth Third said in its alert to customers that the types of messages include: 

“Fifth Third Bank alert. Debit card locked. Call XXX XXX XXXX to unlock it.” 

“FifthThirdB MJVA alert 119471.Please call (XXX)XXXXXXX” 

“Fifth Third B. Message. Your card has been locked. Call XXX-XXX.XXXX to unlock it” 

Some customers have fallen prey to this scam, DeCourcy said, although the bank doesn’t know how many. Customers who have unwittingly given out account information should call Fifth Third’s customer service department at (800) 676-5869. 

Cincinnati-based Fifth Third is the largest bank operating in the Dayton region with $4.17 billion in local deposits. 

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